Posts Tagged ‘Magellan Gps’

The Magellan GPS Review – How Do These Devices Hold Up to the Competition?

March 14th, 2010



When a new GPS consumer is looking for the best of the best, it’s very common to see the top brand names in the mix. You will generally see the Garmins, the TomTom’s, and the Magellan brand always on the top of the list. The different brands have their advantages, and can all generally do the same things, however each brand has different aspects which pull in the buyers.

This Magellan GPS Review isn’t really a pitch for why this brand of GPS is better than your average Garmin, but why it’s a good device you should consider if you are looking for a decently priced unit that gives you all the features you are looking for.

So what features do these navigation systems provide?

The standard Magellan devices will offer a bright LCD screen with vivid brightness which is hard to find in other brands. A bright screen that can withstand the sunlight is a very highly sought after feature. On top of that, these devices are all usually touch screen activated, which is more of a convenience factor more than any. Along with these two aspects, the mapping itself will provide pinpoint directions for any location you wish to travel to.

What separates the average GPS device from the best devices is the ability to not only give accurate directions but to also get you out of a crunch if you come into a busy congested traffic area. The Magellen brand of GPS devices is no slouch in these well desired areas.

For the price that you pay, you can always assume a good purchase was made with these outstanding devices. In my personal opinion, the Magellan series equally parallels the other top brands on the market and anyone that uses these devices will tell you the same exact thing.

By: John Clayton

GPS Navigation Systems – A Quick Guide

February 25th, 2010



If you are a technology and gadget addict, you’ve probably heard and seen and experienced the power of GPS navigation systems! Today, GPS navigation is becoming quite common and GPS devices are all the rage. These small sized systems stored a whole lot of information and can prove to be very helpful, especially if you visiting places you’ve never been to before.

More than that, GPS navigation systems make for excellent gift choices. Trust me, if your partner or friend travels the world, a GPS navigation device will be the ideal gift on their next birthday. Packed with incredible features, these devices are easy to use and fun. However, due to the numerous models and designs available, choosing a GPS system can be very confusing. So, sort through this mess with this quick guide and pick the best GPS navigation system for you.

The GPS navigation systems market is a very competitive one. You can give models with similar features from different manufacturers and at different prices. Typically, the price for these devices ranges from $150 to almost $1000, depending on the features. GPS systems come with a wide set of technology driven features that can make choosing the best one in your budget a challenge. While most manufacturers offer features like FM transmission, Bluetooth, multiple route numbers, live weather, traffic updates, losing yourself in this sea of complexity can be overwhelming, especially to a relatively less educated buyer. So let’s start by understanding these complexities one at a time.

Now, like most appliances and gadgets there are several players in this field too. However, it’s best to go with the bigger and more reputable manufacturers as you can sleep peacefully knowing that your device will be supported and serviced. The biggest players in the GPS navigation systems market are: Garmin, Tom Tom, & Magellan.

Garmin GPS navigation systems are known for their wide range, their superior quality, and excellent technology. Tom Tom is a relatively new entrant in the market and has managed to capture a sizable chunk in this space by offering competitively priced, quality products. However, it is Magellan that was the pioneer in the GPS industry!

So what about their features? Broadly speaking, all GPS devices come with a touch screen interface, voice directions, a database of ‘points of interest,’ auto-calculate the distance facility among other things. So, if this is all that you demand from the GPS device then you can pick one up for around $150 from any of the biggies.

However, if you want a more feature packed device then you’ll also have to pay more. By spending a couple of hundred dollars more you can get an integrated Bluetooth feature for hands-free voice calling, extensive maps, real-time traffic and weather conditions and a bigger points of interest database.

Finally, GPS navigation systems that calculate the distance between multiple destination points on different routes are the most expensive devices in the market. So depending on your budget and requirements, you can easily buy a GPS device for around $350-$400 and never be lost in a new city again!

By: Hayi Mansoor

GPS Comparisons

December 20th, 2009



With the release of several Global Positioning Systems (GPS) units used by golfers, motorists, navigators, mariners, aviators, pilots and fitness buffs, there are expected GPS comparisons that put borderlines between models. Comparing one from the other in terms of performance and pricing is but normal. Considering areas like smallness or largeness of GPS screen, richness of traffic data given, built-in features and affordability can be criteria for your to judge which one fits your needs.

GPS Comparisons place distinction between auto and handheld GPS equipment. Auto units are usually built in car vehicles while handheld ones are usually used by those who just want to place them in the pocket or attach to a belt. There are recreational GPS grade units that either display base map or none at all. Those units with built-in maps are more expensive than those without, but both are handy.

If what you are looking for is different from the standard handheld GPS, then you must try a unit that’s integrated with Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS). GPS comparisons say this unit monitors geostationary satellites delivering correction signals much higher than those without WAAS. It also allows preciseness to beyond 16 feet under likeable scenarios. Magellan and Garmin brands are those that come with WAAS.

According to GPS comparisons, Magellan and Garmin GPS units are both integrated with built-in maps and display data on big screens. Garmin eTrex can last up to 20 hours on two rechargeable AA batteries while Magellan Meridian Gold can do 14 hours and even on field, it can last for eight hours. Getting the best unit of GPS would depend on one’s budget and purposes. Handheld units have own strengths and limitations as much as a car’s built-in GPS has. Both are equipped with computer-mapping programs, though.

Preciseness in taking distance and other important data are achieved by both most GPS types. GPS Comparisons say the demand for GPS has increased tremendously. Because GPS units are built in automatically in luxurious cars, the increasing demand for it is unstoppable. If you want to compare features and performance elements of GPS units, you might just have to consider canvassing about brands like Garmin, Navman, Mio, Magellan and Tom Tom. Compare their pricing, quality, built-in features, battery lifespan and durability.

In terms of GPS mapping data, GPS Comparisons tell there are some map programs sold to ensure accuracy of displaying data on your GPS monitor. Majority of what the market offers are sure to by-pass traffic areas ahead using GPS and compute new walkthroughs. If not employed properly, you might be out of right lane or off-track. In this case, not only will you be wasting fuel, you will also be delaying your trip.

By: Ian Pennington